Modern Apprenticeship leads to a world of knowledge

For Logan Turner, a Modern Apprenticeship in cookery has led to an exciting whirlwind working holiday around some of the UK’s top restaurants.

Logan, 20, won the Hospitality Standards Institute’s Cookery Modern Apprentice of the year award in July 2004.

He received a trophy from HSI, the industry training organisation for the hospitality industry, and a fellowship from the UK-NZ Link Foundation.

The fellowship enabled him to travel to England for six weeks and work with high profile chefs across the country. Logan used his small cash prize to pay his living expenses on the trip.

“Every part of my trip was memorable in some way,” says Logan.

“My thanks go firstly to everyone in NZ and the UK who made my trip possible, also to all the chefs who gladly had me in their kitchens for such a short time. I learned so much from all of them and will use all the skills and knowledge I picked up in my future.”

Logan has agreed to share the following excerpts from his email dairy of his experiences in some of the UK’s top restaurants.

The Savoy Grill with Josh Emmet

“This kitchen used to be run by Gordon Ramsey, I believe, and it shows.

Precision is the key word: everything the same size, and a very symmetrical and traditional presentation. This was great to learn as there are not many places that still do this style of food and presentation.

The working hours were 8 am till 10.30pm for five days, with a break from 4 till 5.30: long days and hard work, but worth it.”

Fat Duck with Heston Blumenthal

“Words cannot describe what I tasted, saw and cooked here.

This restaurant is the most unbelievable place that completely bends all the rules of cooking and takes the science of food to a whole new level. Would you believe sardines on toast ice cream, or black olive and leather puree with wild strawberries?

The fundamentals of how food works and what certain foods attack what part of the mouth and the whole science of it all is mind blowing.”

Helpful Hints

“Basically, I say give it all you have got. Find out what exactly you want to learn, see and experience and then pick the places you would like to work in.

I made the absolute most out of every second of every day and saw and experienced so many wonderful things. I had the best time of my life and will never forget the people I met and will remain in contact with for many years to come.

It is such a great opportunity and I hope the next ambassador will enjoy it as much as I have.”